Departmental Honors

Departmental honors are conferred upon graduating seniors who meet the ALL three criteria:

  1. Qualifying GPA: cumulative and major GPA of minimum 3.5.
  2. Presentation of their research findings in a poster session, research symposium or scientific conference.
  3. A letter of recommendation from the research mentor attesting to the student's significant contribution to the research process.

Students who meet all three criteria will receive a special notation in the graduation program and on their transcripts.

Qualifying GPA

In order to qualify for departmental honors, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, as well as a GPA of at least 3.5 for all neuroscience major requirements (i.e., all courses required for the major except those taken for distribution requirements) at the time of graduation.

Presentation of Research Findings

Students need to submit proof of presentation of their research findings in a poster session, research symposium or scientific conference. The Undergraduate Society for Neuroscience (NU RHO PSI) at Johns Hopkins University hosts two such events each year. Students interested in presenting at a NU RHO PSI event may find more information by following the links below.

 

Brain Awareness Week Poster Session

Undergraduate Research Symposium

April 5, 2008, Bloomberg - more information coming soon.

 

Presentations during general NRP meetings would also be considered to satisfy the presentation requirement.

Applying for Honors

During the semester prior to graduation, students who meet the requirements for honors should schedule an appointment with Bobbie Tchopev, Academic Program Coordinator, in 140 Ames Hall. The following materials must be submitted prior to or during this meeting:

  • Official Transcript A trascript is considered official only if it is sent from the Office of the Registrar to the Academic Program Coordinator. Students should arrange for this in advance of the meeting. Hand delivered and/or unsealed transcripts will not be accepted).
  • Neuroscience GPA Worksheet For the students convenience, an excel worksheet calculating the Neuroscience GPA can be downloaded here. Read the instructions carefully!
  • Honors Clearance Form This is the official document used to confer honors. Upon verification of qualification, this form will be signed by the Academic Program Coordinator and will be returned to the student for delivery to the Office of Academic Advising. A .pdf version of the form may be dowloaded here.
  • Proof of Presentation Students should make an effort to obtain some proof of presentation upon completion of their chosen poster session, symposium, conference, etc. Copies should be submitted as honors materials will not be returned.
  • Letter of Recommendation Students should arrange to have thier research mentor write a letter of recommendation in advance of meeting with the Academic Coordinator. The letter may be mailed or e-mailed directly to the program office or may be delivered by the student provided it is in an envelop with the mentors signature across the sealed back.

All students must have their Honors Clearance Forms signed and delivered to the Office of Academic Advising NO LATER THAN APRIL 1st. Students are discouraged from waiting until the last minute as there will be no gaurantee that they can meet with the Academic Coordinator on a moments notice. Students who fail to meet the deadline will not receive departmental honors regardless of their qualification.